Past Event

Voices: Rubén Ortiz-Torres

Lecture

In his multifaceted work Rubén Ortiz Torres (born 1964) reveals surprising cultural intersections and aesthetic hybrids that result from social, political, economic, and cultural exchanges between Mexico and the United States. In his photographic, video, film, installation, and painting work, Ortiz-Torres draws on vernacular and pop-cultural icons and emblems such as Ozzy Ozborne, popular Mexican nationalist heroes, Disney cartoon characters, "lowrider" culture, extraterrestrials, and religious imagery. His films and videos have been included in numerous international film and video festivals.

Ortiz-Torres' solo exhibitions include, among others, The Alamo Project, ArtPace, San Antonio (2001); New World Monarchies, Revolutions and Alien Abductions..., Grazer Kunstverein, Graz, Austria (2000); and Desmothernismo, Huntington Beach Art Center (1998). His recent group exhibitions include Departures: 11 Artists at the Getty, The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles (2000); Ultrabaroque, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (2000); and Made in California, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (2000). He lives and works in Los Angeles and Mexico City.